West Virginia DHHR Website: Where The Useful Stuff Actually Is
- 01. Why the DHHR Website Changed Forever
- 02. Essential Website Links You Need Right Now
- 03. Contact Information at a Glance
- 04. Five Original Bureaus Now Across Three Departments
- 05. Common Programs and Where to Find Them
- 06. Physical Office Locations and Visiting Hours
- 07. Digital Resources and Online Forms
- 08. What Changed After January 1, 2024?
- 09. Troubleshooting Website Access Issues
- 10. Why This Information Matters Now
West Virginia DHHR website: where the useful stuff actually is
The official West Virginia DHHR website is dhhr.wv.gov, which now redirects to three separate department sites following a major 2024 reorganization: the Department of Health (dh.wv.gov), Department of Health Facilities (dhf.wv.gov), and Department of Human Services (dohs.wv.gov). For immediate assistance, call the Client Services Hotline at 1-800-642-8589, which handles inquiries across all three departments. The headquarters remains at One Davis Square, Suite 100 East, Charleston, WV 25301, where nearly 6,000 employees previously worked under the unified DHHR structure.
Why the DHHR Website Changed Forever
On January 1, 2024, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) was officially split into three separate departments under House Bill 2006, legislation passed during the 2023 Legislative Session and signed by then-Governor Jim Justice on March 6, 2023. This historic reorganization ended decades of unified administration, creating distinct agencies with independent cabinet secretaries and dedicated web portals for streamlined service delivery.
With the 2025 administration change, Governor Patrick Morrisey appointed Alex J. Mayer as Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Human Services (DoHS), Arvin Singh, EdD, MBA, MPH, MS, FACHE, as Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Health (DH), and Michael J. Caruso continues serving as Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Health Facilities (DHF). The new leadership structure represents a fundamental shift in how West Virginia delivers critical health and human services to its 1.77 million residents.
Essential Website Links You Need Right Now
Most users searching for "West Virginia DHHR official website" actually need access to specific programs like Medicaid, child support, or behavioral health services. Here are the direct navigation paths to the most frequently requested resources:
- Main Portal: http://www.dhhr.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx (redirects to current departments)
- Department of Health: dh.wv.gov (public health, immunizations, infectious disease)
- Department of Human Services: dohs.wv.gov (Medicaid, SNAP, child welfare)
- Department of Health Facilities: dhf.wv.gov (hospital licensing, facility certification)
- Bureau for Medical Services: dhhr.wv.gov/bms (Medicaid enrollment and claims)
- Bureau for Children and Families: dhhr.wv.gov/bcf (TANF, child protective services)
- Bureau for Behavioral Health: dhhr.wv.gov/bbh (mental health, substance abuse treatment)
The Client Services Hotline at 1-800-642-8589 remains the single best entry point for residents unsure which department handles their specific situation. Email inquiries should go to osaclientservices@wv.gov for cross-departmental questions.
Contact Information at a Glance
Finding the right phone number or email address is often the primary reason residents search for the DHHR website. The following table consolidates verified contact details extracted from official sources:
| Contact Type | Phone Number | Email Address | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Client Services Hotline | 1-800-642-8589 | osaclientservices@wv.gov | 24/7 for emergencies |
| General Headquarters | (304) 558-0684 | DHHRSecretary@wv.gov | 8am-5pm M-F |
| Abuse/Neglect Hotline | 1-800-352-6513 | - | 24/7 |
| Home Health Hotline | 1-800-442-2888 | - | 8am-5pm M-F |
| CMS Professional Contact | (877) 716-1212 toll-free | - | 8am-5pm M-F |
| Jobs/Careers | (304) 558-6700 | - | 8am-5pm M-F |
| Accessibility (TDD) | 1-800-982-8771 | - | 24/7 |
The fax number for document submissions remains (304) 558-1130 for headquarters correspondence.
Five Original Bureaus Now Across Three Departments
Before the 2024 split, the DHHR operated five distinct bureaus that still define service delivery today. Understanding this organizational legacy helps residents navigate the new three-department structure:
- Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities: Now split between Department of Health (behavioral health programs) and Department of Health Facilities (hospital licensing)
- Bureau for Child Support Enforcement: Integrated into Department of Human Services under Family Support Division
- Bureau for Children and Families: Core component of Department of Human Services, handling CPS, TANF, and family assistance
- Bureau for Medical Services: Now within Department of Human Services, managing Medicaid enrollment for 540,000+ West Virginians
- Bureau for Public Health: Transferred to Department of Health, overseeing immunizations, epidemiology, and disease prevention
This structural evolution means programs like WVCHIP (Children's Health Insurance), EBT benefits, Family Planning, and the Immunization Program remain accessible but now route through different departmental portals.
Common Programs and Where to Find Them
Residents typically search the DHHR website for specific assistance programs. The program-to-department mapping below eliminates guesswork:
Physical Office Locations and Visiting Hours
The headquarters address remains One Davis Square, Suite 100 East, Charleston, WV 25301, where visitors can access in-person services Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. The facility employs approximately 450 staff members supporting statewide operations.
West Virginia maintains 55 county health departments across all 55 counties, ensuring statewide presence for resident services. Each county office provides localized support for Medicaid enrollment, SNAP benefits, child support enforcement, and public health programs.
"The mission of the West Virginia Departments of Health, Health Facilities, and Human Services is to collaborate with stakeholders to promote, protect, manage, and provide appropriate health and human services for our residents to improve their health, well-being and quality of life."
This official mission statement, displayed on the LinkedIn company page with 7,861 followers, emphasizes the collaborative approach guiding all three departments.
Digital Resources and Online Forms
The DHHR website hosts hundreds of downloadable forms for programs ranging from birth certificates to Medicaid appeals. The forms repository at formalu.com/agency/493 provides organized access to government agency forms and office locations.
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders can manage their accounts online, while parents can access the Birth to Three program for early intervention services. The Family Planning Program serves 28,000 clients annually through county health departments.
What Changed After January 1, 2024?
The reorganization created three separate cabinet-level agencies, each with independent budget authority and legislative reporting requirements. Previously unified functions now require residents to identify the correct target department before navigating online resources.
House Bill 2006 mandated the split take effect by January 1, 2024, though legislation passed in March 2023. The transition timeline included 10 months for system separation, staff reassignment, and website migration across all digital properties.
Troubleshooting Website Access Issues
If dhhr.wv.gov fails to load, try the three department-specific domains directly: dh.wv.gov, dhf.wv.gov, or dohs.wv.gov. The legacy domain continues redirecting but some bookmarks may require updates for optimal performance.
Mail correspondence should address the specific department, though the physical address remains One Davis Square for all three agencies. The LinkedIn account notes the page is "not monitored 24/7," so residents should use phone or email for urgent matters.
For technical support with online applications, the Office of Financial Management handles IT inquiries at (304) 558-6700 during business hours. The jobs portal lists 312 current openings across all departments as of May 2026.
Why This Information Matters Now
With nearly 6,000 employees previously under unified DHHR leadership, the organizational complexity can confuse residents seeking straightforward assistance. The consolidated contact information and department mapping above eliminates the most common navigation errors reported by customer service representatives.
The Client Services Hotline at 1-800-642-8589 processes over 2,500 calls monthly, making it the most efficient first contact for uncertain residents. Email support at osaclientservices@wv.gov typically responds within 2-3 business days for non-urgent inquiries.
Remember that Governor Patrick Morrisey's 2025 appointments established the current leadership team overseeing these critical services for West Virginia's vulnerable populations including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Expert answers to West Virginia Dhhr Website Where The Useful Stuff Actually Is queries
How do I apply for Medicaid in West Virginia?
Apply through the Department of Human Services at dohs.wv.gov or call the Bureau for Medical Services at (304) 558-1700 local / (877) 716-1212 toll-free during 8am-5pm M-F hours. Over 540,000 West Virginians currently receive Medicaid coverage through this bureau.
Where can I report child abuse or neglect?
Call the 24/7 Abuse/Neglect Hotline at 1-800-352-6513 immediately. This service operates under the Bureau for Children and Families within the Department of Human Services.
How do I obtain a birth certificate?
Request birth certificates through the Department of Health (dh.wv.gov), which inherited the Bureau for Public Health's vital records functions. The Office of State vrai Records processes approximately 45,000 birth certificate requests annually.
Where can I find behavioral health services?
Contact the Bureau for Behavioral Health through the Department of Health at dh.wv.gov/bbh or call the Client Services Hotline at 1-800-642-8589. The bureau operates 23 community mental health centers statewide serving 120,000+ clients annually.
How do I report an unlicensed health facility?
File complaints with the Department of Health Facilities (dhf.wv.gov) or call the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification at (304) 558-0050. This department oversees 847 licensed facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living centers.